In the world of Joy of Life, Grandmasters and Upper Ninth Rank fighters seemed to be separated by only a thin line, but in truth, an insurmountable chasm lay between them.
If a First Rank martial artist was lucky enough, with favorable timing, terrain, and divine weapons, they might have a chance of killing a Ninth Rank fighter. But a Ninth Rank fighter could never kill a Grandmaster, no matter what.
It could be said that only upon reaching the realm of Grandmaster could an individual's power truly contend with the machinery of a state.
If a Grandmaster hardened his heart and cast aside all attachments, he could roam the world alone, assassinate emperors, slaughter imperial clans, and kill every official in every province and prefecture.
Under such circumstances, no one would dare become an official, the emperor would not dare show his face, and imperial decrees could not reach the provinces. What outcome could there be for the dynasty besides collapse?
That was precisely why the Four Grandmasters possessed such lofty status and such weighty voices.
Back then, Ku He had sat alone in the great hall and intimidated every prince and noble in the north who had harbored thoughts of rebellion.
Si Gu Jian had guarded Dongyi City alone with a single sword, allowing the small nations caught between Northern Qi and Southern Qing to endure to this day.
Ye Liu Yun was the same. As long as he did not enter the Capital and continued wandering the world, the Qing Kingdom would continue treating the Ye Family generously. The imperial favor bestowed upon them would never fade.
Even these three veteran Grandmasters possessed deterrent power comparable to nuclear weapons.
There was even less need to mention that mysterious Grandmaster who had defeated them all with crushing force!